Alice Clark was so excited when she qualified and looked forward to every shift, her parents say.
Image source, SECAMB
Tributes have been paid to a newly-qualified paramedic who was killed in a crash involving an ambulance and a cement lorry.
Alice Clark, 21, died in the crash on the A21 near Tonbridge, Kent, at about 22:15 GMT on Wednesday.
Three other people, including another paramedic, were also hurt.
The ambulance was on its way to an incident and no patients were in the vehicle, South East Coast Ambulance Service (Secamb) said.
In a statement, Ms Clark’s parents described her as a “beautiful, kind and fun-loving daughter, sister and granddaughter” who would be missed “more than words can say”.
Ms Clark had joined the trust in November 2021 and was “so excited to qualify as a paramedic”, her parents said.
Serious injuries
A spokesman for Secamb said a male paramedic was airlifted to Kings College Hospital in London with serious injuries and a student paramedic travelling in the back of the ambulance was taken to hospital with a head injury.
The lorry driver suffered minor injuries.
Giovanni Mazza, manager at the Paddock Wood operating unit where Ms Clark was based, described her as a “kind and dedicated paramedic.”
Mr Mazza said: “Although she had only been with us for a short time, Alice was already very much part of our ambulance family.”
Secamb executive director of operations Emma Williams added: “Our thoughts are also with the other injured staff members as well as all of those who responded to the incident.”
Kent Fire and Rescue Service said four engines were sent to the scene. Fire crews used hydraulic rescue equipment to free the casualties.
The road, which links London, Tunbridge Wells in Kent and Hastings in East Sussex, reopened after being closed overnight.
Police are asking for anyone with dashcam footage to contact them.
